(If you’re not a Shamen fan, that headline will make no sense. Try saying it out loud. And admire your instant cockney accent.) Making the special print edition of my novel made me think how we still like a book we can get our hands around. Come over to Authors Electric where I’m trying to pinpoint what we love about dead tree books…
Eezer goode… but print is proper – post at Authors Electric
Nail Your Novel 
I can’t seem to give up paper books. I’m a touchy-feely kind of reader. I need to hold the book in my hands and actually, physically turn the pages. And I wouldn’t want all of the beautiful bookmarks I’ve received over the years to go to waste or collect dust! And having physical books makes author signings a whole lot easier!
I am getting into ebooks finally. I am thrilled that this medium allows us to reach audiences we never could before, but I do not believe that they will ultimately replace the good old fashioned physical book in the long run. But, I have been wrong before!
Suzanne – bookmarks, of course! I don’t have formal ones, but old rail tickets, entry tickets for museums, daft notes left by Dave. They’re all souvenirs, even the rail tickets. I love picking up a book I read ten years ago and discovering what I used to mark my place.
And you’re right that for signings and talks, you need a prop. Even if people don’t buy the book there and then, they’re usually very curious about them and want to have a good look. Especially if up until then your books have only existed on screen for them. I did an interview the other day and the show host picked up NYN and said ‘I’ve never seen a proper copy…’
I love that you use old tickets and notes as bookmarks! There could be a story idea in there somewhere. Such as a younger relative has to clean out an older relative’s house and comes across the books, the tickets and notes and spins a wonderful tale of the person’s life from their findings!
Yes, props are crucial for signings. Most people pick up at least one of my books and thumb through it or read the back cover. And I give out bookmarks at all of the vendor events. In the past year, I’ve handed out hundreds of bookmarks and only one person refused the free bookmark. She said she didn’t have time to read. What a life she must have!
I also use Moo cards. When I did a reading from Future Life, the books got examined and prodded – but the Moo cards with the novel cover and tag line vanished like lightning. I had to order more!
Yes, I’m sure there’s a story in those old notes and tickets. How lovely it is that rail tickets have the date and destination.
I don’t know what a Moo card is…
Zoom to the bottom of this link for a pic and explanation… they are like miniature bookmarks. Very cute. https://nailyournovel.wordpress.com/2012/07/29/how-to-choose-a-novel-excerpt-to-read-to-an-audience/
Ah the memories! Every generation has their “it was really all about drugs” moment, be it Lucy in the Sky or the Magic Roundabout, and this was mine. Will go and read 🙂
Ah they do, don’t they Dan. I love this song.